ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING

Description

B33Y covers additive manufacturing processes that build three-dimensional objects through successive deposition, agglomeration, or layering of material. This subclass encompasses technologies including 3D printing, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, and related layer-by-layer fabrication methods. The scope extends to apparatus, machines, process parameters, material handling systems, and post-processing techniques specific to additive manufacturing operations. This classification excludes non-additive manufacturing methods (such as subtractive machining or forming) and addresses the technical implementation of 3D object construction rather than the design or composition of the final products themselves.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass B33Y recorded 150,610 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 2,518 in 2013 to 13,707 in 2023 (+444%), peaking at 19,243 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class B33 are HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (4,417 applications), GE (GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY) (2,451 applications) and SIEMENS (1,136 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings